Sliding kitchen tables: types, tips for choosing and using

Most of the apartments in multi-storey buildings where we live cannot boast of large and spacious premises. If things are more or less good with the size of the rooms, then the area of ​​other rooms leaves much to be desired. Kitchens in such houses are usually small, despite the fact that a lot of things and furniture need to be placed there. For this reason, the distribution of space has to be approached very carefully and economically.

A sliding kitchen table will help to save space for other pieces of furniture in this part of the apartment.

When looking closely at a dining table for a kitchen of this type, some points should be taken into account.

To meet these requirements, for the kitchen, you should choose a folding table. If desired, it can be easily transformed into a model with a larger width.

First of all, it should be said about the advantages of these designs.

• Resistant to wear and tear. Furniture should be made from quality materials. It is usually made of high-strength plastic, solid wood, glass or metal.
• Availability of high-quality fasteners. The fasteners of the parts must be highly durable so that the product can serve for many years, and its reliability did not raise questions.
• Functionality... The table can be equipped with additional sections that slide out. This will increase the capacity.
• Compactness... Folding models in the assembled position have rather small dimensions, which allows them to be placed in a room with a small area. With the help of a special mechanism, you can move its parts apart and make it more spacious.
• The presence of an additional table top. Thanks to this element, it is possible to increase the size of the table by almost 2 times.
• Interesting design... The table can be painted, various kinds of drawings, patterns and other decor.
• Various shapes. They can be rectangular and square, in the form of a circle or an oval.

Sliding kitchen tables have certain drawbacks.

• Quality products made from good wood or even MDF are expensive.
• If you disassemble it, then it will take up a lot of space, which can create inconvenience if the room is small.
• There are frequent cases when counterfeits with low performance are sold under the guise of a good table. Moreover, their price will be the same as that of the original table.
• In some models, the legs are very uncomfortable, which can create discomfort during operation.
• Certain models are very heavy and bulky. And although such folding tables fit perfectly into the classic interior, sometimes it is rather difficult to transfer them.

Before purchasing a table, you should understand how exactly it is planned to be applied... These can be breakfasts, lunches and dinners with the family, or receptions and festive gatherings with a large number of guests. This aspect must be taken into account so that difficulties do not arise during the use of the product.

There are several types of tables:

• stationary;
• portable;
• collapsible;
• built-in;
• folding.

These tables are characterized by small dimensions and are equipped with a tabletop that can have various shapes. It can be oval, round, square, rectangular. The main advantage of such structures is their compact size, which allows it to take up a minimum amount of space when it is assembled. The increase in the size of the table is due to the fact that there is a niche under the tabletop where there is another surface.

To disassemble the product, you just need to move the tabletop apart by pulling it from both sides. An empty space is formed in the center, an additional tabletop is installed there thanks to special grooves.

Portable models - another great solution for a small room. They differ not only in compact size, but also in low weight.

There are three types of such products.

• Classical. Its structure is very simple. Such a butterfly table consists of two halves that are simply lowered.
• Suitcase table. This is a more original version, because when assembled it really looks like a small travel bag equipped with a special handle.
• Book table. Its design is similar to that of classic models. When folded, it looks like a book. This is a great outdoor option for unfolding in nature.

Collapsible products differ from the categories described above in that they are not decomposed, but can be completely disassembled into separate elements. They will be an excellent solution for rooms where there is so little space that even an ordinary small table cannot be put.

Products in this category have the following features:

• uncomplicated design;
• all parts are attached to each other by means of special fasteners;
• there are grooves on the tabletop, legs are inserted into them, they are screwed in with simple screws and nuts;
• on some models, the height can be adjusted.

Built-in tables are some kind of transformers that consist not only of a table.This is a kind of (sometimes swivel-folding) set, equipped with bedside tables, drawers and cupboards.

Their features:

• supplied, as a rule, with a kitchen set, if necessary, they can be pulled out, fixed on the counter, and if not needed, they can be pushed back;
• some models are made according to the principle of a book, that is, the table top leans back to the main wall of the headset;
• built-in kitchen options represent a block with a countertop and a special support;
• when disassembled, this model looks like a tabletop that can accommodate up to 4 people.

Folding tables are another interesting solution for a kitchen with a small area. When assembled, they take up little space and can still do the job perfectly. Their features:

• they are similar to sliding counterparts, only here the book disassembly technology is used;
• when the table is assembled, then one part is used as a table top, and the second is usually lowered (if you need to increase the size of the surface, then the other half is raised and fixed using a special mount);
• sometimes these tables are equipped with bedside tables where you can put dishes and kitchen utensils - such a compact option is suitable for very small rooms.

If we talk about size, then today you can find any table on the market: large, small, mini, narrow, wide, and so on. But we will give the average values ​​of certain parameters so that you can roughly understand what dimensions certain models have.

With the tabletop folded down, the diameter of the product will vary from 90 centimeters to 1 meter. If the table is unfolded, then its length increases to an indicator of 125-135 centimeters.

In the case of rectangular and square tables, the figures will be slightly different.

They will be about 75 centimeters high, about 80 centimeters long, and 70–75 centimeters wide. If you expand the tabletop of such a product, then its length will increase to 110 centimeters.

Folding products come in various shapes:

• corner;
• rectangular;
• semicircular;
• square;
• round;
• oval.

There are also models that, when folded, will be round, and if unfolded, they will become oval.

If we talk about rectangular and square shapes, then such products are popular due to the fact that they can become part of any design. They are suitable for small spaces, because they take up little space and are easy to use. If desired, you can find tables of the type in question with rounded edges.

But if you choose a table by this criterion, then you should first pay attention to the size of the kitchen and where the product will be placed. This will help you choose a really good option that does not take up much space and will perform the required functions well.

As already mentioned, extendable kitchen tables can be made from various materials. The main thing is that they meet all the requirements of wear resistance, quality and strength. Typically the items in question are made from:

• wood;
• glass;
• plastic;
• metal.

Wood is the most common material for tables. The reason is excellent performance and relatively affordable price. In addition, there are a number of other benefits.

• Aesthetic appearance. Such products always look expensive and stylish. Thanks to this, they will become a good element of any interior.
• Resistant to wear and tear. Wooden furniture is very durable and, with proper care, can last for more than a dozen years.
• High strength. Wood models are not subject to cracks and deformation.
• Environmental friendliness. This is a natural material that does not emit any toxins, which means it is completely safe for humans.

If we talk about glass products, then they look beautiful and sophisticated. This table will add aesthetics and beauty to any design.

The features of glass tables are the following aspects:

• glass of the highest strength is used for their production;
• the surface of the countertop has special protection, which protects it from mechanical damage;
• such products are very durable and, in terms of strength characteristics, are only slightly inferior to models made of wood.

If we talk about plastic, then a particularly durable type of this material is usually used for the production of tables. Plastic tables for kitchens are very convenient, because their weight is small, as well as dimensions. And their appearance is quite original. Due to their low weight, they can be easily moved to another place if necessary.

Metal tables are not entirely made of metal. Usually we are talking only about inserts that give them strength and increase resistance to wear: some elements of mechanisms, parts of fasteners and legs. If they were made entirely of such material, then their mass would be very large, which would make them not very convenient to use.

If we talk about design options, then the most important criterion when choosing a table for the kitchen will be such a criterion as color. Too dark and gloomy tones can depress a person, and they are unlikely to contribute to a good appetite and mood. And if you choose an option that is too bright, then after a while it will not cause anything but irritation.

If the room is small, then products with light colors will visually add volume and height. For this reason, a white table or something similar in color, but with a glossy surface, is so popular. Gloss has about the same effect.

In general, the white table top is practical, versatile and attractive. Such a table will have a number of advantages:

• suitable for any style;
• will be a good backdrop for bright contrasts;
• it will interestingly emphasize the design of the room and will form with it a kind of unity of composition;
• a white surface will look equally good on a metal, wood or plastic base.

If you want to give the interior some dynamism, then you can choose the considered piece of furniture in bolder colors. For example, you can pay attention to green and light green colors. They will go well with plants in the kitchen and the same color as a chandelier or vases.

If you do not want something classic, but want to somehow stand out, then you can pay attention to some kind of folding designer table for the kitchen. But he should not stand out too much against the general background, because harmony is above all.

A very interesting solution may turn out to be tables where there is some kind of interesting photo printing. This will attract the attention of guests, and they will definitely note the originality of this piece of furniture.

When choosing a table for the kitchen, you should pay attention to 4 main criteria.

• The form. The choice of a product for this criterion will depend on the design of the room and its physical dimensions. If the room is large, then you can purchase a table with an oval or round table top. If small - a square or rectangular counterpart.
• Functionality... Before buying, you should check the serviceability of all fasteners and mechanisms. It will not be superfluous to disassemble and assemble the table for more confidence.
• Appearance. It is better to buy beautiful products with wood carvings, various decor, patterns and designs.
• Quality. The base of the table must be made of high quality materials. It cannot be frayed, deformed, cracked or scratched.

Glass tables look best in small kitchens. Massive solutions with wide legs will look more interesting in rooms with a large area. And well-chosen chairs will also have an impact on ergonomics. Choosing a kitchen table often takes a lot of time, after all, it is important that this piece of furniture fits organically into the room and harmonizes as much as possible with the interior and design of the room.

First of all, it should be said that from time to time, for preventive purposes, the table should be disassembled and assembled. This will allow you to check the functionality of all fasteners and folding mechanisms.

In order for it to retain its original appearance as long as possible, you need to use only proven cleaning agents that are intended for the material from which it is made. The same goes for the legs as well as the metal mounts.

Hot dishes and utensils should not be placed on the table - the surface may be deformed or traces may remain on it. For such cases, you should have special stands.

One more tip - do not keep the table in the unfolded position all the time. It can take up too much space, making it inconvenient for family members to move around the room. It is better to collect it after a meal, and lay it out only if necessary.

The table should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Otherwise, the product will begin to lose color, and its performance may be significantly reduced. Tables also do not like high humidity. Therefore, it is not bad if the room where it is located is equipped with an extractor hood. Also, do not put heavy objects on the table that weigh more than 30 kilograms. Otherwise, the fasteners may not withstand and crack or even break.

In the next video, you can watch the mechanism of operation of round sliding tables of different designs.